Argyle Socks
Posted on 03. Feb, 2010 by admin in Socks
Argyle socks had a bad rap with pop culture for quite a few years. They were associated with the preppy, jerky guys who plague every high school set movie. When combined with boat shoes, a polo and a seventy dollar haircut, argyle socks used to spell out the character of the hilariously stereotypical douche.
The rap was unearned, however. Argyle socks originated when Scottish clansmen had to cut up their tartans (which were plaid patterned) to cover their feet. Because of this argyle socks are characterized by the diamond pattern on the side. Though these were traditionally knitted, the patterns were adopted by commercial producers of socks.
It’s ironic that socks that were pioneered by Scottish warriors should be stereotypically associated with pretty boy high school students. The style first became popular in the US in 1949 when it was introduced by none other than The Brooks Brothers. This company remains today as a main supplier of high end men’s clothing. This introduction may explain why argyle socks carried such a stereotype. The stereotype has shifted, however, as argyle has been accepted as retro and is now sported by most “in-style” teenagers.
This style has been expanded from just socks to all other items of clothing. You can find anything from shirts to vests, sweaters to scarves to rain boots with the argyle print. Extremely popular are thigh high leggings with the argyle print on them. You can even find the argyle print on non-clothing items such as school supplies and bags.
From its invention by Scottish clansmen to the stereotypical sign of a wealthy jerk to the retro teenagers, argyle has gone through several transitions in fashion. It has always remained the same however, simply a sock with a diamond pattern on its side.
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